Total Pro Sports
In a surprise roster move, the Kansas City Chiefs have released wide receiver Justyn Ross ahead of training camp.
Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Justyn Ross was waived by the defending AFC champions on Wednesday. The former Clemson star, who signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2022, earning back-to-back Super Bowl rings to begin his career.
Ross missed his entire rookie season with a foot injury, though the Chiefs went on to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 57. Ross played 10 games in 2023, finishing with six receptions for 53 yards.
He appeared in two playoff games during Kansas City’s run to Super Bowl 58. They went on to beat the San Francisco 49ers in overtime of the big game, becoming the first team to win consecutive Super Bowls since the 2003 and ’04 New England Patriots.
The #Chiefs have waived WR Justyn Ross.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 16, 2025
The Chiefs waived Justyn Ross before last season, then brought him back ahead of their Week 1 opener against the Baltimore Ravens. He suited up in just two games last season and didn’t have a single catch.
Kansas City’s wide receiver core will be similar to last year’s group, having re-signed Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster. Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Skyy Moore also return, with rookie Jalen Royals and former New England Patriots second-round pick Tyquan Thornton headlining the group of newcomers.
If Ross is to become an impactful player in the NFL the way he was at Clemson, a fresh start was clearly needed. He never found his game in the Chiefs’ star-studded and high-powered offense, but perhaps another team will find a way to unlock Ross’ potential.
As players like Cris Carter, Wes Welker and Adam Thielen have shown, it’s never too late for a wide receiver to break out after a slow start to their careers.
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